Technology
Schaeffler and CATL to jointly develop battery management and power electronics
Image: (c) Schaeffler
Schaeffler and CATL are deepening their collaboration in electric mobility. The two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly develop battery management systems and highly integrated “X-in-1” PowerBox solutions. Their initial focus is the European market, with plans to potentially expand the collaboration to other international markets in the future.
Battery management systems for European manufacturers
A key area of the collaboration is the development of automotive battery management systems (BMS) tailored to the requirements of European vehicle manufacturers. Battery management systems monitor and control essential battery-system functions and therefore play an important role in the safety, performance and efficiency of electric vehicles.
Schaeffler will contribute expertise across the BMS value chain. This ranges from hardware and software development, system integration and functional safety to testing, validation and series production in Europe. CATL will contribute its experience in cell technology, battery-system development and the industrialization of high-volume production.
According to the companies, the new agreement already builds on a customer project they have secured. A related approach to intelligent battery control can be seen in the ONE Inverter concept from IAV and Nexperia, which brings battery management and power electronics more closely together.
Highly integrated “X-in-1” PowerBox planned
The second development area concerns so-called “X-in-1” Integrated PowerBox solutions. The aim is to combine high-voltage electronics and electromechanical systems more closely within a single unit. The higher level of integration is intended to provide a basis for high-performance and competitive electrification solutions.
The collaboration is particularly aimed at changing requirements in the European market. As electrification advances and regional supply chains are realigned, the companies expect demand to grow for locally developed and manufactured solutions that meet requirements for performance, safety and efficiency.
AI and cloud computing for battery management
Beyond the initially agreed development areas, Schaeffler and CATL also plan to explore the use of additional digital technologies. These include cloud computing and artificial intelligence for battery management applications.
Alongside its cell and system expertise, CATL will contribute experience in battery algorithms. Schaeffler, meanwhile, brings development, production and market expertise in Europe as well as experience with the region’s regulatory requirements.
Through the collaboration, both companies aim to strengthen their position in the European electric mobility market and bring new technologies into industrial series applications more quickly. In the longer term, the partnership is also intended to help the companies jointly tap further international market opportunities.